The Bluff community has launched a bike stand design competition, with local engineers on standby to build them from the winning designs.

The bike stand theme is Birds of New Zealand’s Wild South.

Initiator Cherie Chapman said the idea for the stands originally developed as a result of the Invercargill to Bluff cycle trail, with the stands to provide somewhere for people using that trail to secure their bikes.

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It has since been extended as a way to encourage locals and visitors alike to cycle or scoot around the town, she said. 

“There’s been a massive increase of people biking in and around town,” she said.

Having somewhere “fabulous” to secure their bikes and scooters would hopefully continue to encourage people to be active and more environmentally aware, she said.

“It’s to really encourage that environmental side of it, and get people moving.”

Healthy Families Invercargill lead systems innovator Stella O’Connor said having somewhere to securely store bikes and scooters would make it easier for families and individuals to travel by bike around Bluff.

“We want to encourage and support families and individuals to be active, and these bike stands are an easy and effective way to provide that support.”

“It’s also for visitors, and is part of the rejuvenation of Bluff, adding to the vibrancy of the town.”

It was hoped that having some bright, interesting bike stands would help encourage people to get out on their bikes, and also provide a destination to aim for, she said.

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Many southern birds were unique to the Bluff area, and birds also connected with the ocean, sky, and land. The competition would celebrate and recognise the conservation work being carried out on Bluff Hill/Motupōhue.

Entries close at 5pm on November 20, 2020.

To enter your design, email [email protected] or drop off to Bluff Central, 74 Gore Street.